The torrid zone, also known as the tropical zone, is the region of the Earth near the equator, between the Tropic of Cancer at 23.5 degrees north latitude and the Tropic of Capricorn at 23.5 degrees south latitude. It is generally warm and humid year-round, with a wet and dry season, and experiences abundant rainfall, lush plants and trees, and varied animal life. The torrid zone covers approximately 39.78% of Earths surface and includes southern Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, northern South America, the Sudan, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, larger parts of Southern Africa, southern Middle East, and parts of Southeast Asia. The term "torrid zone" was given by ancient Greek and Roman geographers to the equatorial area of the Earth, which was thought to be so hot that it was impenetrable.